Commissioners continue JP search

Howard County commissioners are expected to begin interviewing potential replacements for the justice of the peace position being vacated by longtime official Quail Dobbs during Monday morning's meeting.

Dobbs announced last month he would be stepping down as Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace at the end of the year. The Howard County native has served as an unofficial goodwill ambassador for Coahoma for the past several decades and first made a name for himself as a rodeo clown, earning a spot in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Hall of Fame for his achievements.

He has served as justice of the peace for Precinct 2 — an area that includes Coahoma and Sand Springs — since Jan. 1, 1999, and was re-elected twice. He will retire effective Dec. 31, at which time there will be a year remaining in his term.

Commissioners announced last month the court would begin accepting resumes for the position, a call which has netted several prospects, according to County Judge Mark Barr.

“We've received eight resumes from people interested in filling the position,” Barr said. “Our plan is to interview four of the applicants during an executive session during Monday's meeting, then interview the remaining four during the next regularly scheduled meeting.”

One of the concerns expressed by the court when the search for a replacement for Dobbs began was for the appointee to be “electable,” a challenge Barr said he feels will be accomplished.

“The eight applicants we have now are all good candidates,” Barr said. “I feel like any one of them will allow the commissioners to accomplish the goal they set when we began the search.”

Also during Monday's meeting, commissioners are expected to meet in a budget session with County Auditor Jackie Olson.